Apples at Wickham’s Fruit Farm in Cutchogue. (Credit: Michelina Da Fonte)
So far, it’s been a pretty rainy start to autumn. But as the skies clear and the leaves begin to change, it’s time to break out the plaid shirts and get ready to bite into a crisp, sweetly tart apple at these u-pick farms.
Here’s our guide to apple picking on the North Fork. With an abundance of produce this year, some calling it their “best ever,” there should be plenty of produce left to pick throughout the rest of the month. As a rule of thumb, it’s always a good idea to call ahead of time to ensure the fields are open that day.
Breeze Hill Farm, Peconic
Breeze Hill has 1,200 apple trees on the property, including ginger gold, red delicious, granny smith, Mutsu, and more. When arriving on the farm to pick your own apples, you’ll be directed to the spots with the best apples for the season. Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Tuesdays, U-pick is open Wednesday through Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 31215 County Rd 48, Peconic; (631) 876-5159
Harbes Family Orchard, Riverhead
The 15-acre Harbes Family Orchard in Riverhead is open for apple picking. The farm offers 27 different varieties of apples, including gala, sansa, honey crisp, and golden delicious. There are also plenty of family-friendly activities, such as a corn maze and hayrides. No pets or outside food and drinks are allowed on the farm. The U-pick orchard is open on Mondays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on weekends and holidays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. 5698 Sound Ave. Riverhead; (631) 298-0800
Lewin Farms, Calverton
In addition to apples, Lewin also has u-pick peppers, eggplant, and pumpkins through October. The five-acre corn maze is generally open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays continuing through late October. It is designed to be challenging and takes between 20 to 35 minutes to complete, depending on how many dead ends you hit. Note: Animals are not allowed in the orchard and the fields are cash only. There is an ATM at the farm stand. U-pick is generally open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed Tuesdays), but is subject to change. Call for more info. 812 Sound Avenue, Calverton (631) 929-4327
Wickham’s Fruit Farm, Cutchogue
Wagon rides are also available on Saturdays during apple-picking season, providing a fun way to get to the orchards and see the farm. Other items such as apple cider doughnuts, apple cider, pies, and preserves are available at the farm stand. No pets are allowed. U-pick is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and varieties — they grow over 40! — are always changing depending on what’s ripest. 28700 Main Rd. Cutchogue; (631) 734-6441
Windy Acres Farm, Calverton
The farm stand also sells fresh eggs, flowers, doughnuts and has a children’s play area. Open weekends 10 a.m to 4 p.m. 3810 Middle Country Road, Calverton; (631) 727-4554
Woodside Orchard, Aquebogue and Jamesport
A hub of all things apples, Woodside Orchard has been family-owned and operated since 1982. There are two locations: Both have U-pick groves and baked goods, and the Aquebogue location offers hard cider tasting, too. Leashed pets are allowed in the picnic areas but not in the U-pick groves. Jamesport is open on weekends and Aquebogue is for weekday picking. 729 Main Road, Aquebogue; 116 Manor Lane, Jamesport; (631) 722-5770
